Frame by Frame: A Gender Sensitivity Journey

On March 8, 2025, the Centre for Academic and Professional Support, in collaboration with the Department of English and Cultural Studies, hosted a powerful and thought-provoking session on gender sensitivity through cinema. This event, held from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in Room 2111, Management Block, used the short film Juice as a focal point to explore and challenge the entrenched gender roles, biases, and the subtle yet pervasive ways inequality is reinforced in everyday society.

Juice, as a narrative, proved to be an effective and engaging medium for examining gender expectations. It portrayed the unspoken, often unconscious, societal pressures and assumptions placed on individuals, particularly in terms of gender roles. Through its depiction of real-life scenarios, the film prompted the audience to reflect deeply on how overt and covert biases influence both personal experiences and societal norms. This created a platform to discuss the pervasive nature of inequality, not only in extreme contexts but also in the seemingly mundane moments of daily life.

The session, designed to be interactive, fostered an open, inclusive space where students of all genders could engage in meaningful conversations. Participants were encouraged to share their personal experiences, reflections, and views on the gender issues depicted in the film. The dialogue centered around challenging preconceived notions and long-held stereotypes, urging the attendees to reconsider traditional perceptions of gender and the ways these perceptions are reflected in everyday interactions. The ultimate goal was to help participants develop a more equitable mindset, creating an environment where gender bias could be questioned and redefined.

The discussions also emphasized the importance of critically analyzing societal norms and recognizing the roles individuals play in perpetuating or dismantling these norms. The cinematic medium provided an avenue for participants to reflect on the complexities of gender inequality in a way that was both accessible and compelling. Through storytelling, the session highlighted how gender bias manifests in both subtle and overt ways, urging participants to take action in their own lives and actively contribute to creating a world that promotes fairness and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender.

Furthermore, the event underscored the role of cinema as a powerful tool for social change. By using visual storytelling, the session demonstrated how films like Juice can challenge societal structures, question deeply ingrained stereotypes, and inspire meaningful change. The attendees left with a renewed sense of awareness regarding the subtle ways in which gender inequality operates within their own lives and in society at large. They were equipped not only with knowledge but also with a sense of responsibility to question and challenge these norms, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more equitable world.

By the end of the session, participants were more attuned to the gender biases around them, and many expressed a stronger desire to actively participate in breaking down the stereotypes that perpetuate inequality. The session proved to be a success, leaving the attendees motivated and empowered to challenge outdated gender roles and to work toward a more inclusive and respectful society. Through the lens of cinema, the event effectively demonstrated the power of film in inspiring positive social change and fostering gender sensitivity in everyday life.